The HBCU experience and journey to Deloitte

February 22, 2023

Clarencia Taylor joined Deloitte in 2015 and is an Audit & Assurance manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP. She is also a proud alumnus of Prairie View A&M University. Below, she shares more about her journey to Deloitte.

Which HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) did you attend and what made you choose that school?

I attended Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). Being from the small town of Eagle Lake, Texas, I was used to being the only minority in my classes, so it was important to me to have a more diverse experience during college. I received offers from many of the top schools in Texas I applied to, however, during a college tour I was exposed to and infatuated by the HBCU environment. The culture really stood out to me and was the catalyst in making my choice.

What was your experience like at an HBCU?

I met my best friends the first day at PVAMU as a freshman. I had an amazing experience all four years by making meaningful connections, understanding and learning about Black history, and being surrounded by people with similar backgrounds and cultural experiences. I loved everything from the mentorship to the football games and band performances. It truly felt like a family!

What was your fondest memory at Prairie View A&M University?

I met my husband at PVAMU my freshman year! We started off as friends and has blossomed into a wonderful marriage of five years! I also have a 4-year-old daughter. If it wasn’t for attending PVAMU, I wouldn’t have this amazing family.

What did you take away from going to an HBCU?

Attending an HBCU gave me a real sense of belonging. I felt that I could truly be my authentic self, day in and day out. Going to an HBCU allowed me to feel comfortable in the skin that I’m in.

How did Prairie View A&M University prepare you for your career endeavors?

At PVAMU there were professional career development courses to attend where professionals would come to discuss career paths. Also, PVAMU helped make sure I was prepared during school and after graduating to the professional world. There were great mentors and advisors during my tenure who would help sponsor me for different scholarships and help me explore different opportunities. Programs and organizations such as NABA, INROADS, Beta Alpha Psi, and Beta Gamma Sigma enabled me to connect and network with peers and professionals, as well.

What led you to join Deloitte and what was your first role?

I always knew that I had an affinity for numbers and math which was one of the preliminary reasons that led to me choosing Accounting as my major. When I started the recruiting process for employment, my professors advised me to pursue a Big Four firm. Deloitte was the best fit for me both from the perspective of the people I connected with to the impact I felt I could make here at the organization. I first started with Deloitte as an auditor and I loved it so much I never left.

How is Deloitte a place for HBCU alumni to grow, lead, and make an impact?

Deloitte gives you a platform to be who you are and to truly give back in ways that are meaningful to you. We have an HBCU professional population that stays connected and continues to support HBCUs.

In your current role, how do you believe you are making an impact on your colleagues, your clients, and your community?

One of my proudest moments was becoming a member of Deloitte’s Black Action Council. The Black Action Council (BAC) helped me to find the voice I always knew was there, and as part of the BAC, I’ve advocated for racially and ethnically diverse groups that have been overlooked due to circumstances in society that were outside of their control. I have continued to build and help impact others’ lives by showing them that they matter.

Learn more
Deloitte offers students a variety of opportunities to get to know who we are as an organization and how our work impacts the world around us. To learn about our HBCU programs and career opportunities for students, visit our Deloitte + HBCUs page.